William Saliba agrees new Arsenal deal as Andrea Berta makes him one of club’s top earners

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TBR Football understands that Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle to hand William Saliba a new long-term contract.

Since joining Arsenal in 2019, William Saliba has made 139 appearances under Mikel Arteta and he’s become an increasingly key figure at the Emirates.

Saliba has forged an extremely impressive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the back, and the pair are widely recognised as the best in the Premier League.

Of course, there has been some trepidation about Saliba’s contract situation of late, his current deal is set to expire in 2027.

Real Madrid have been keeping close tabs on Saliba’s situation, and the club even had representatives in attendance for Arsenal’s recent draw with Manchester City.

However, Arsenal fans can now take comfort in the fact that Saliba will commit his long-term future to the club.

Sources: William Saliba agrees new Arsenal contract in principle

TBR Football revealed earlier this month that Andrea Berta was making progress on a new deal for Saliba, and the Gunners have now agreed a deal in principle in terms of the finances involved.

Sharing more insight, chief correspondent Graeme Bailey called it ‘another big move’ for Arsenal’s new sporting director.

“As we revealed earlier this month following the international break – Andrea Berta believed he had made progress on the William Saliba’s new deal.

“Getting new deals for Berta and Bukayo Saka has been his priority since the summer window closed and now the move for Saliba is close.

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“Saliba is getting a deal that makes him one of the club’s highest earners and recognises his status as one of the top central defenders in world football.

“With less than two years left and clubs like Real Madrid hovering, they needed to get this done and now Arsenal sources confirm a deal is agreed in principle in terms of the finances.

“This is another big move for Berta.”

Saliba said it was ‘fate’ that he ended up at Arsenal

Speaking in a recent interview with TNT Sports, Saliba claimed that he might have always been destined to play for Arsenal owing to a choice he made as a youngster.

Saliba picked an Arsenal shirt as his first, and now he’ll continue to get the chance to wear the famous red jersey week after week.

Speaking in April, Saliba said: “In 2005 and 2006 they [Arsenal] were on fire. Henry, Zidane [were my heroes].

“I don’t know why I picked the Arsenal shirt, to be honest. It was fate. My first shirt was an Arsenal shirt with Thierry Henry on the back.

“To be honest, when you are young, you do not think about playing for Arsenal. It was just a good feeling to have the shirt on me. It is more when you grow up that you want to play.

“For me, Arsenal was so far [away], but in the beginning, it was just cool to have this shirt and to play football with it. Now I am happy to wear it every week.”